But Really Though, its TOPE

My name is Anthony Anderson aka TOPE a rapper/producer from Portland, Oregon, signed to Amigo/Amiga Records, 1/2 of Living Proof, and 1/3 of TxE. I enjoy Polo Sport and iced coffee. 

What aspect of your life would you say defines you the most? 

In my opinion, the aspects of my life that define me the most are my work ethic and passion for music.

How does it define you? 

I've always had to work hard for everything I wanted, even as a kid, and I think some drive has carried over to my music career today. All I do is music, which at times keep me from having healthy relationships and friendships, but its what I love to do. I've put 4 projects this year so far, and I'm working on 5 and 6 currently.

What was the turning point? Was there a point in your life where you starting spitting verses or was it a gradual process? I've always had a strong love for music, but I never wanted to make music or rap until I saw my friend do it in high school for the first time. There was a kid on my basketball team that made beats and rapped but nobody ever heard him. So one day we all we're bugging him until he finally rapped a verse, and when he did I immediately knew it was something I wanted to do myself. Rapping was just something we did for fun in high school, and having a group with a couple of my friends kept me motivated and writing songs because we performed at a little open mic event every few months. I never really took my music that serious until my mom passed away and then after sometime I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. I think my life could be completely different if I never started making music. Its kept me out of a lot of trouble (got me into a little as well lol), put a little money in my pocket, and given me memories I'll never forget.

Looking back is there anything about this that you would have avoided? 

Looking back there are a lot of situations I should have avoided - bad business deals or lack of business deals, rushed music, bad shows, etc. 

How will you take these experiences and move forward?

I always try to take something positive from every situation, so I've learned a lot through negative situations with regards on how to handle myself and brand in the future. These days I'm pretty careful about shows and management deals, most of the time I like being able to handle my business directly.

Anything else you’d like to say regarding this aspect of your life? 

Big shout out to Predicate for reaching out. Be sure to check out my new album Until The Next Time We Meet on iTunes, visit my website itsTOPE.com, check out a music video on youtube, and be on the lookout for TxE - Tetherball this October!

A Quick Interview from a Youthful Designer

Editor's Note: Photography by Adam Weinburg

Tell me about yourself. 
Hi! My name is Jena Kane and I reside in Brooklyn, New York.  As an occupation, I am a graphic designer for apparel- which means I design both graphics and prints for clothing, as well as sketch and come up with new concepts for construction of clothes and work on trend direction as well. I mostly work in the juniors/women's sportswear/knitwear realm. 

What is your main purpose in life? 
I'd say the act of creating is what pretty much defines me. I live for it. If I cannot create, even if just on the smallest scale, I get sad, anxious and feel very empty. Drawing and painting and making things has been such a part of my daily life since I was a kid, it's just what drives me. If I'm not doing it I'm usually thinking about it.

What made you start creating art?

Nothing made me do it, I just started at a young age and it was always very natural to me. Perhaps having 2 creative parents enabled this.

How would your life be different if you had never taken up art? 
I would be a different person altogether if I did not do any kind of art or design.  It is so integrated into my personality and thoughts that I don't know who I would be if it wasn't what I did. The only thing I would have changed if I could go back in time was be more open to the idea of people liking my work or me. When I was younger because many friends or peers did not have the same interests, it caused me to feel self conscious/feel like i was weird, and eventually caused me to develop low self-esteem. 

What are you hoping to accomplish with everything you do? Well hopefully I will continue in both my career in the design field and, more importantly, continue my never-ending journey and learning process of creating art on my own. 

Where can we see some of your stuff? I have pieces that are sold in stores like Macy's and Forever 21 and in my spare time, I make jewelry for my online shop, The Lost Pony.

To visit Jena's store, please go to thelostpony.com

(C) 2012, Predicate Attire

Foster's Land For Imaginary Friends

Editor's Note: All Photographs by tomcsawyer

Who is Foster? 

Foster, 19 years of age, from North Royalton, Ohio, Christian, addicted to frosting and brownies and all things creative.

How does your art and faith define you? 

My faith is something that’s a huge part in my life.  I continue to grow everyday.  I grew up in a Christian home but sometimes you can take that for granted.  As you get older you start to understand much more about your faith and the world around you.  And the same applies with your art too.  I remember me and my brother Alan were talking about how much we’ve dug ourselves a hole with our music. We both agreed that it’s really underground and strange for most people and then it has too many references about our faith for other people.  He recently had an interview where he talks about our album way more in depth than this. 

But I love all types of music and all types of art too.  If I’m in the photography mode, I practice that.  If I want to make videos, I do that.  Same with design and stuff too. Man I wish I could draw too lol. My other brother Ryan is really good at that. All my stuff I do is behind the scenes. Basically I think we all need God’s glory and that’s why we create or do anything.  Duncan Clan Productions // Foster's Land for Imaginary Friends

How would you be different without it? 
I wouldn't know what to do!

What are you aspirations for the future? 

Whatever God has for me. I'd love to inspire and help people. I like to look back on all the things I've done or experienced and ask the question "What am I doing for that kid?" I've been blessed with so many good memories that it's cool to think that I could do something to help make a memory for someone else. 

Lately I've been struggling with the idea how one person can make a difference since so many people are creative nowadays, but when you look at a movie it takes so manny people to make it to do a really good job.

Tell me about Beat the World. 
Beat the World is a music platform that helps stop injustice. It's a place where people can buy and donate music and all the money goes to the cause. It's different from a benefit album because this never stops. People can constantly donate and buy new music. I just wanted it to be sort of interactive where everyone can be a part of it. There's places where indie artist can connect and make music, but there's also space for more well known artists to raise money by anyone or their fans buying the music. Check it out! 

How did you get artists like Boondoc, Catacombkid & Courtland Urbano on board? Basically I started sending out emails to artists I like to get something going. Most people did not get back to me, but some did. I wanted to get people with unique sound (sort of electronic mixed with hip-hop) involved so music lovers could like the actual music along with the idea. It's sort of at a stand still right now, but I do have a video idea that I'd like to get done for it soon.

Why did you start this movement? 
It was just a cause I wanted to help with, but I think to really help with different causes. I need to get active and out in the real world. Donating money is cool, but sometimes it takes more than that.